How to Reach the Alien Ruins in Subnautica 2

Key Takeaways

• Build the Scout Ray Chassis Tadpole upgrade before attempting the 600-meter crossing
• Stay low to the seabed or near the surface to minimize Collector Leviathan attacks
• Establish a new base near the Research Station with a Hydroelectric Turbine for power

Reaching the Alien Ruins in Subnautica 2 is the moment the game stops holding your hand. You've poked around the Tadpole Pens, gathered some resources, maybe built a small base. Now the game wants you to cross 600 meters of open water where the Collector Leviathan waits. It's the largest, most deadly creature you've faced. And on the other side? An entirely new area with harder challenges.

This guide covers everything you need to prepare, how to survive the crossing, and what to prioritize once you reach the Research Station.

What to Prepare Before Leaving

The trip to the Alien Ruins is one-way in terms of difficulty. You can return to your starting area, but it's a dangerous, time-consuming trek. Pack smart so you don't have to make that trip more than necessary.

Upgrade Your Tadpole First

Build the Scout Ray Chassis Tadpole upgrade at the Vehicle Bay terminal. This increases your speed and handling, both critical when a Leviathan is chasing you. If you missed the blueprint, it's inside the Tadpole Pens.

Expand Your Inventory

Interact with Biobeds to increase your inventory size. You'll need the extra slots for supplies and base-building materials.

Stock These Items

• Backup batteries (multiple)
• A spare power cell
• Food and water
• Healing items
• Base-building materials: quartz, titanium, copper, and silver

The base materials matter. You'll want to establish a new home near the Alien Ruins rather than trek back constantly.

Surviving the Collector Leviathan Crossing

After investigating the Tadpole Pens, the game marks your objective: cross the gorge and reach the Alien Ruins 600 meters to the east. Simple in description. Less simple in execution.

The Collector Leviathan patrols this open expanse. You cannot fight it. You can only outrun it or avoid its notice.

Two Routes That Work

1. Hug the seabed: Stay as low as possible in your Tadpole and drive straight toward the Alien Ruins. The creature may still spot you, but you'll have terrain to work with.
2. Skim the surface: Stay close to the top of the water instead. This keeps distance from the Leviathan's patrol zone.

Either way, the Leviathan will likely begin chasing you. It may even hit your vehicle. Don't stop. Keep driving forward until you reach the cliffs on the other side. Once there, use the terrain as cover and repair your Tadpole.

What to Do at the Research Station

You made it. Now what?

The Research Station is your first landmark in this new area. Head inside and locate the bedroom. Insert a battery into the socket to restore power. Then interact with the NOA terminal in the command room.

NOA lists various locations you can visit to progress the story. Return to this terminal later to get actual quest markers pointing you to specific objectives.

Building Your New Base

Your immediate priority: establish a proper base in this area. Trekking back to your starting Lifepod zone means another Leviathan encounter each way. Not worth it for routine supply runs.

Location Tips

Build close to the Research Station. Look for natural underwater currents nearby. These currents let you place a Hydroelectric Turbine for free, sustainable power. No need to manage batteries or fuel for your base operations.

Use the materials you brought plus what you gather locally. The Alien Ruins area has its own resource deposits, so you won't be completely dependent on imports from your starting zone.

What Comes Next

With your base established and power running, you're set to explore the Alien Ruins properly. The NOA terminal points you toward multiple objectives. You'll encounter new materials, new creatures, and new challenges that make the starting area look tame.

The tutorial is over. The real Subnautica 2 starts here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you return to the starting area after reaching the Alien Ruins?

Yes. You can travel back at any time, but it requires crossing the Collector Leviathan's territory again. Make sure you have resources for the trip.

What happens if the Collector Leviathan destroys your Tadpole?

You'll need to repair it before continuing. Bring materials for repairs and keep driving toward the cliffs where you can use terrain as cover.

Where is the Scout Ray Chassis blueprint?

Inside the Tadpole Pens. Make sure to grab it before attempting the crossing, as the speed boost helps you outrun the Leviathan.

Do I need to bring all my materials to the Alien Ruins?

Bring base-building essentials like quartz, titanium, copper, and silver. The Alien Ruins area has its own resources, so you can gather more once you arrive.

Source: PCGamer latest